What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Assistant in the Wainger Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital/ Harvard Medical School position at Massachusetts General Hospital?
RESEARCH ASSISTANT IN WAINGER LAB AT MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL AND HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL
waingerlab.org
We are a young and vibrant group applying biological, physiological and computational tools to understand and identify new treatments for motor and sensory neuron diseases. The laboratory is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic research assistant with experience in molecular biology and in particular stem cell biology to support preclinical studies related to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and pain. The research technician will contribute to the intellectual development of a project, attend and present at lab meetings, and engage in the scientific community through opportunities to attend conferences and publish papers. The major responsibilities will include stem cell culture and differentiation, analysis of molecular disease-related phenotypes using patient and control as well as gene-edited iPSC lines, quantitative analysis of expression and sequence data, general molecular biology techniques such as immunohistochemistry, RNA isolation and PCR to analyze cells of interest. Additional work will include assistance with ordering, laboratory maintenance and animal husbandry. The candidate must be able to make a two-year commitment.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Stem cell culture and differentiation
High-content imaging and physiology (calcium imaging/ optogenetics)
Bioinformatic analysis of expression and sequence data
Mouse brain and spinal cord dissection
Purification of RNA and PCR
Perform tasks associated with ordering, animal husbandry, and lab uptake
Grant applications & protocols for Biosafety, Animals, and IRB
May assist with training other personnel
SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED: Must be an enthusiastic, diligent and professional team player with excellent time management skills. Meticulous detail about laboratory techniques and documentation are required, as are the ability to work independently and as a member of a team. The candidate must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. The position requires accurately maintaining records of laboratory work in sufficient detail for reproduction of the experiments, organizing, analyzing and summarizing acquired data. The candidate may assist with drafting or contributing to the preparation of research papers, manuscripts or other documents for publication and/or presentation.
EDUCATION: BA/BS in neurobiology, molecular biology, or related field
EXPERIENCE: One year of previous relevant laboratory work experience strongly desired.
PLEASE CONTACT AND INCLUDE COVER LETTER, CV, AND TRANSCRIPT:
brian.wainger@mgh.harvard.edu and sestpierre@mgb.org
